CONSULTATION: Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service is looking for support to build a multi-million dollar health centre across from Hyman Park

COUNCILLORS hope the proposal for a multi-million health centre in South Tamworth could lead to an upgrade of Hyman Park.

The Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service (TAMS) has approached council with a plan to build a new health centre on Hillvue Rd across the road from Hyman Park, but at Tuesday night’s meeting councillors wanted to get a bit more detail before consultation gets underway.

Planning director Peter Thompson said no definite area had yet been identified on the block of land.

Phil Betts said “South Tamworth needs a greater presence of the medical fraternity” and wanted to see proceeds form the sale go back into Hyman Park, across the road.

Glenn Inglis said council should be a “bit more precise” about the location and size of the proposal if it “wanted genuine feedback”.

Helen Tickle wanted council to ensure the Girl Guides hall across the road from Hyman Park was protected if the health centre development goes ahead.

TAMS CEO Rodger Williams said the centre could create better access to specialist health care for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in the community.

Mayor Col Murray said the first step to considering the request for the proposed site of the centre will be to consult with the community.

“The site proposed is public land and for the proposed development to move forward, the site will need to be reclassified and sold,” he said.

“The TAMS is looking to build a state-of-the-art facility with at least six permanent general practitioners, a range of specialist services and provide training facilities to compliment current tertiary studies being delivered in Tamworth.”

“There are a range of benefits this facility proposed by an important community group would bring to South Tamworth, but it’s important for council to first start a broad community consultation including a letterbox drop to adjoining neighbours.”